This Little Light

Video Description:

This video is a short preview of the activity of the St. Basil Young Adult Ministry. The city of Vallejo has been particularly vulnerable to the effects of the economic downturn, as well as the spiritual poverty that affects all of America–that of loneliness and rejection. This video highlights a very small and new group’s effort to combat this poverty. In seeking to do the corporal works of mercy, they discovered how intimately tied these works are to their spiritual counterparts. The first part of the video deals primarily with efforts to alleviate hunger. The second part focuses on caring for the sick and elderly and to be present to their struggles. The hope of this video is to inspire others to address the problems, not of the whole world, but right in one’s home town. No matter how small and ineffectual this work may seem, as Mother Theresa said, God asks not for great things but small things with great love.

Contest: 2013 Goodness Reigns “Share the Story”

Created By: Jeremy Mallett
Location: Vallejo, California, USA
Parish/School Name: St. Basil the Great
Experience Level: Beginner
Filmmaker Age: 26
Video Length: 6 min 30 sec

Filmmaker Bio:
The St. Basil Young Adult Ministry (SBYAM) is a parish-based young adult group that seeks to emulate Christ in the pattern of the Gospel writings–going out to serve publicly and then returning to pray and contemplate in silence and solitude. Being just about a year old since its inception, the SBYAM has struggled to grow and organize but the work it has done so far can only be described as inspired. It began with a vision of both the spiritual needs of young adults but also the needs of the homeless and helpless in the city of Vallejo. Taking inspiration from Blessed Theresa of Calcutta and the symbolism of the Dominican cross, we draw strength and enlightenment from prayer and contemplation in order to go out and bring this light to those who have a little trouble coming to it.

Cast and Crew:
Written, directed and produced by
The St. Basil Young Adult Ministry

In Association with Blaze Evangelistics

Cinematography by Maria and Carlo Teruel

Music by Jeremy Mallett

Narrated by Erissamae Olandria

SBYAM Cast (In Order of Appearance)
Erissamae Olandria
Jeremy Mallett
Miguel Reyrao
Peaches Bustos
Justine Jansuy

(Not filmed)
Maria Teruel
Roland Calipes

Special thanks to
Norma Cumayao
Windsor Care Center, Vallejo
Ernestine
Lily
Ricky
Stacy
Steve

YOUCAT/Catechism Inspiration:
YOUCAT #449-451 and the social justice principle of human dignity

4 comments on “This Little Light

  1. Christy Castaneda on said:

    The St. Basil Youth Ministry is a very fitting model of how our younger generation work hand in hand to help the community. I love this group since I have been involved with them too during my stint at the St. Basil Religious Education Department. They, too, gave us so much encouragement during the time when my husband was hospitalized. Through their music (they came very often to sing for him), his hope and faith buoyed up. To date he is still alive even though he was given 3-6 months to live due to cancer in 2011. Thanks to this group and ministry. God bless.

  2. Goodness Reigns on said:

    This was both an inspiring and challenging video as it puts a face on the neighbors we are called to care for as Christ has commanded. Service is written onto our hearts and this film depicts the joy that comes from putting our own desires behind the needs of others. Your ministry is also a model for others. Thanks for sharing and inspiring!

  3. Judges' Comments on said:

    Wonderful message, wonderfully done!
    -Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle

    Strong message that people of faith are people of action. Scenes are matter of fact what God wants from us without fanfare. Summary: Holding hands with “brothers and sisters” in the twilight of their years. Quality work here!
    -Franklyn Soldo

  4. Craig Tubiolo on said:

    I enjoyed the story and would love to see more youth groups involved in the community..

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